Frequently Asked Questions about our Pure White Doves
1. Do the doves really return home?
Yes they do. Each of our doves undergo many months of intensive training to allow them to navigate home once they are released at weddings. Cousin to the homing pigeon, it would appear they use many senses to navigate. Their ability to home depends on their breeding, excellent health and a knowledgeable manager. Our more experienced, older doves can travel a distance of 150 miles – at speeds between 35mph – 75mph all the way home!
2. Where do the doves live?
In modern lofts divided into sections for nursery birds, yearlings, 2 year olds and over. They are fed a diet according to their work and training schedule, pretty much the same as a top athlete.
3. Will the doves mess on my dress or guests?
It is highly unlikely and practically impossible. Doves like to perch before they mess - in flight or just before take off a dove's instinct to fly is prevalent. To date none of our newly weds or their guests have experienced a direct hit!
4. At what point during the funeral should the birds be released?
This is entirely up to you! There can be a lot of creativity in the timing and location of your dove release. We will endeavor to accommodate your ideas. The most popular way to release your doves is after the vows and during your official photographs.
5. What time of day is best for a release?
The most popular time to release your doves is after the ceremony with your guests gathered around. The specific time of the day is very flexible, but we must allow the doves enough time to return home before dusk.
UNDER CERTAIN WEATHER CONDITIONS IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO RELEASE OUR DOVES AND ENSURE THEIR SAFE RETURN, E.G. FOG, HEAVY RAIN, STORMS, BLIZZARDS OR GALES.
6. How do the doves arrive at my chosen venue?
The doves are transported in traveling compartments which have been recommended by the Royal Pigeon Racing Association. The welfare of our doves is paramount to us. The doves will be in their decorated baskets ready for release at the agreed time. We understand unforeseen delays occur but our doves can only be temporarily stored in the release baskets.
Our handlers have had 40 years of experience looking after and caring for birds and our knowledge of how to achieve the best dove releases is extensive.